[bigbird213]

Okay,

Two quick questions... hopefully...

First off - Calories. For the past 5 months or so I have been on quite an intense weight lifting schedule, but at the same time trying to lose some weight (or more accurately, reduce my body fat percentage/change body composition). My question comes down to calories. I would consider my diet fairly strict (I try to keep a 30% fat, 30% carb, 40% protein calorie breakdown) but the number is where I am concerned. I have measured my RMR (adjusted for working out) and it comes to around 3000. My diet usually comes out to between 2200-2700 calories. I think this sounds like an acceptable deficit to avoid "starvation" mode. My real concern -- I am worried about the lack of calories hurting my progress in the gym, but the abundance of calories slowing/halting my weight loss...

That leads me to my second question (much quicker). I have researched, but to no avail. As far as fruit is concerned, I know much of it is high in sugar, though it is natural sugar. Should I avoid this sugar just as I avoid processed sugars (like in candy and juices)?

Thank you!